Open call for Digital Innovation Hubs
In February 2016 I4MS launched the second call to request proposals for the preparation of feasibility studies for the development of I4MS Digital Innovation hubs. This call followed an earlier call for proposals in the pioneer phase, which resulted in the selection of three pilot hub proposals I Greece, Poland, and Spain. The full call, which aims to select up to 25 additional digital innovation hub proposals, closed on 28th April 2016. A total of 36 proposals were received covering a wide range of European regions and I4MS technologies. The evaluation process is currently ongoing and will be completed in June.
Both calls requested proposals to assess the feasibility of establishing Digital Innovation Hubs in regions not currently participating in the I4MS initiative. The project proposals should aim at the development of a solid plan to assess and prepare the initiation of a hub in the European regions by a consortium of relevant organizations. They should lead to the development of a business plan, including a first assessment of the financing of such a hub. Organisations already participating in I4MS initiative will provide mentoring and coaching services to the selected innovation hub projects.